Overview: Former chemical science researcher who transitioned into fitness and martial arts coaching, combining scientific thinking with strength training and boxing to empower individuals physically and mentally.
Industry: Sports & Fitness / Martial Arts & Strength Conditioning
Professional Experience: Yiying has experience in chemical science research, martial arts instruction, strength and conditioning coaching, fitness education, and gym operations. She also served as a lecturer at the International Sports Academy and has trained individuals ranging from beginners to national-level athletes.
About her: Yiying is a Singapore-based strength and conditioning coach who left a career in scientific research to pursue her passion for fitness and martial arts full-time. While working in research, she simultaneously trained in martial arts and eventually became deeply involved in disciplines such as Muay Thai, boxing, Kapap, and catch wrestling.
Her scientific mindset and curiosity led her to explore exercise science and human performance more deeply, eventually convincing her that fitness and sports could transform both physical and mental well-being. Yiying is passionate about creating inclusive and welcoming fitness environments where people of all ages and skill levels can build confidence, resilience, and healthier lifestyles.
Turning point: A major turning point came when Yiying realised she could no longer fully commit to both her research career and her growing passion for fitness and martial arts. Encouraged by her martial arts mentor, Master Teo, who advised her that success requires full commitment, she eventually made the difficult decision to leave her research career and pursue fitness coaching professionally.
Another important turning point was discovering the science behind strength and conditioning, which allowed her to merge her research-oriented mindset with exercise physiology and sports performance training.
What she does now: Today, Yiying co-runs Spartans Boxing Club Balestier and Everfit Singapore, where she coaches boxing, fitness, and strength conditioning while helping clients improve both physical and mental health. She focuses on creating an inclusive “boxing for everyone” environment that supports beginners, fitness enthusiasts, and aspiring competitive athletes alike.
She also hopes to further her education in sports science or exercise physiology while continuing to advocate lifestyle intervention, movement, and exercise as important tools for long-term health and disease prevention.
SGVisionaries interview: Meet Yiying: From Ex-Researcher to Strength and Conditioning Coach
LinkedIn profile: Hong Yiying LinkedIn profile
Website: Spartans Boxing Club Balestier
Profiles of Singapore’s Creators, Entrepreneurs, Leaders and Professionals. Powered by SGVisionaries.com 
Leave a comment